favoritism

noun

Definition of favoritismnext
as in bias
the unfair practice of treating some people better than others The favoritism of the boss led to many disgruntled employees. He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of favoritism Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing the station of favoritism and suggesting the moderator had already taken sides. — Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 In 2024, a Veolia North America subsidiary sued the City-Parish of Baton Rouge after losing a bid for its wastewater operations and management contract, alleging the procurement process was unfair, noncompliant and guided by favoritism. — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Board members went on to say its members have also witnessed concerning conduct, such as false accusations, misinformation and favoritism. — Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026 Trump officials say any such favoritism violates Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law that forbids discrimination in education and was created to fight segregation and its impact. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
  1. bias
  2. prejudice
  3. nepotism
  4. cronyism
Noun
  • Because this was a scoping review, which summarizes existing research rather than testing a treatment directly, the researchers could not make clinical recommendations or fully assess the risk of bias.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although much of his lineup leaned heavy-handed or overly undone, the most notable bias looks were the ones designed for ease, modernity and lightness.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • The permit application from J7 Ready Mix was denied with prejudice during a hearing in Austin.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • All the prejudices my characters are designed to expose haven’t just lingered—they’ve metastasized.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • Janet Rogers, the wife of Tyrone Rogers, was appointed to the position in February after Arambula stepped down, prompting accusations of nepotism.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Sorry but this nepotism and bravolebrity entitlement does not put him above the law.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • That set off the wave of youth protests that blamed the collapse on high-level corruption and cronyism during renovation work at the station.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • That set off a wave of youth protests that blamed the collapse on high-level corruption, cronyism and rampant graft during renovation work at the station.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of cronyism

Browse Nearby Words

favorite sons
favoritism
favors
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Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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